Running APPS: Nike vs. Adidas

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I wanted to keep track of my distance when i started to run for 10k, so I started using Nike+ and Adidas MiCoach... these are running tools to keep track of the miles you've run, speed, time, calories burned and even offer a plan to train for an specific objective. They both speak to you and tell you when u complete another kilometer, and you have to register in the brands website to use both and get a username.

Nike+ has two versions, one that can be used with no internet and is combined with the sensor in Nike+ running shoes; and another called Nike+ GPS, with this you don't need the sensor, cause each step is measured by the GPS on your smartphone, keeps track of your route, elevation, kind of soil, etc etc. If you run indoors, you might wanna get the first one (free), or the bracelet that comes with the sensor and then sync to your laptop. Of course you gotta have the shoes that hold the sensor, identify them with the Nike+ logo on the sole.

If you got a smartphone, download the Nike app with GPS, is like $2 dlls, but is really nice, it syncs automatically and goes "live" with your facebook, when u start a new race, its posted on facebook asking your friends to cheer you up, so you hear some screaming and clapping while u run, that means someone "liked it" on fcbk or posted something... u can read it afterwards.  When I've been tired and about to stop, I've heard that and really gave me some mental stamina.

Also, the fact that Nike has an online community that u can make challenges with, play "tag", or make a running team with your friends or random people, is great, you are not alone.

So thats nice from Nike app.... BUT at the end is about keeping track and having an idea of your training. With Nike+ u can see the suggested training online, in your laptop, but you can't have it in your phone as in "tomorrow my training is planned to run 14k"... you get that with ADIDAS MiCoach.

I really love this one for that, cause i can see graphs online, but also a calendar, which tells me when i have to run and how long, the kind of training, and this tells you to speed up or go lower, according to the "zones" (or intensity level) that you gotta work according to your training that day. What I love with this is that I can be really objective and see if I missed a training, I see it on my track, so I can't fool myself... it's there...

The online program from Adidas also includes other kinds of workout (not necessarily running), according to your gender and what you might wanna work, call it strength, resistance, flexibility, etc.

Adidas also gives you a grade on your training, according to your timing, speed, consistency; and you can sync it with a heart rate device, to get an even more accurate training.

Another good thing is you don't need a sensor or special shoe gear, its all by GPS.  Great if you have a smartphone, not so great if you don't.

BOTTOM LINE:

I love that both have an online platform, I would add to Adidas the cheering part and sync with fcbk or twitter; I would add to Nike the training program track on the phone, not just the "select kind of training", what if you didn't check the site before, you would be running randomly, not to your program.

I used both at the same time... its kinda lame... I'd pick Adidas, plus i can use a heart rate device (I'll get it next week).

I SOOO wanna try the new Nike Fuel bracelet... and maybe it'll be usefull in a different way that might lead me to use it better.

For now, I'll use ADIDAS MiCoach app to hear and train according to it, but i use the Nike bracelet with the sensor, so when I sync, I still have both platforms updated.  That's cause my best friend gave me the bracelet as a present... else I don't think I would've gotten it... but I really do like it.

WHAT YOU GUYS THINK? YOU USE ANY OF THESE APPS??

Follow me: @titacabrera